Using a bed sheet for backing
#14
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: North East Lower peninsula of Michigan
Posts: 6,231
I hand quilt and use the 200 count main stay sheets from Walmart. These are not hard to hand quilt through and I have not seen any holes. I have sheets from over 30 years ago that are still in decent shape so I think fabric is fabric If it works use it. I like solid backs and love using them as they are all one piece and you can get them big enough for king size quilts.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,991
I too use sheets all the time for quilt backs. They are absolutely not problem for machine quilting and wash and wear very well. I especially like them on quilts that will see a lot of hard use (think Youth Shelter and industrial washing machines) or quilts for kids that will be really used and dragged around. I frequently buy 200 threat count sheets ($5.00 on special in Canada) for Community Quilts and even higher thread count sheets on family quilts. I try to buy the darker colours or patterned ones in King Size and use the leftovers to make a matching pillow case to store the quilt in or as the gift bag to present the quilt. Using sheets really cuts down on the overall cost of a quilt and I can't think of any reason not to.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: La Quinta, CA
Posts: 3,918
I use sheets from the thrift store. Most of the time I can find 100% cotton but in a pinch poly/cotton will do. They are always available here as we live in a snowbird area. I have never had a problem quilting them with my Tin Lizzie. I do change the machine needle whenever I think of it. If the needle is dull and the sheet is a high thread count I can hear a pop with each stitch that tells me to change out the needle.
#19
I just hit a sale of clearance flat sheets at Wal-Mart. They were $2.00 for the twin and $4.50 for King. I bought several.
I use wide backing fabric for gifts and raffles. I use the sheets for utility or low cost (i.e. scrap) quilts.
I'm making a quilt right now for hubby and me. I'm using a sheet for the back. It's not for "good" but to use. When I make the quilt of my dreams, I will use wide backing and have it professionally quilted.
So, I'm both ends of the spectrum. (And I used sheets before I found out about wide fabric- never had a problem machine quilting.)
I use wide backing fabric for gifts and raffles. I use the sheets for utility or low cost (i.e. scrap) quilts.
I'm making a quilt right now for hubby and me. I'm using a sheet for the back. It's not for "good" but to use. When I make the quilt of my dreams, I will use wide backing and have it professionally quilted.
So, I'm both ends of the spectrum. (And I used sheets before I found out about wide fabric- never had a problem machine quilting.)
#20
Concerning bed sheets. 42 years ago I made my wedding dress from a new sheet, turned out great, very hard to sew on; then 10 years ago cut it up for fabric. Problem is I bought the best sheet I could find, shrunk it first, but the sheet was like sewing through a very heavy batik, if that makes since. I still use flat sheets, but make sure they are 100% cotton, much easier to use.
Hope this helps. http://cluttergutter.com.
Kelly
Hope this helps. http://cluttergutter.com.
Kelly
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